Harbour-RP out to regain cage glory

Let’s bring back the glory.

Behind this battlecry, Harbour Centre team owner Mikee Romero rallied the members of the Philippine team that will see action in the SEABA Champions Cup scheduled April 9 to 14 in Jakarta.

"This is a big challenge for all of us," said Romero in yesterday’s PSA Forum at the Pantalan Restaurant where the members of the RP team were presented to the media.

Romero was tasked by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan as the godfather of the Jakarta-bound team made up of the country’s finest amateurs, and to be reinforced by two imports.

"This is the first Philippine team that will compete internationally after FIBA suspension. And there’s pressure because 70 million Filipinos are expecting no less than the championship," Romero added.

The players are Al Magpayo, Chico Llanete, Jason Castro, JC Intal, Jojo Duncil, Marvin Cruz, Jeffrey Chan, Jonathan Fernandez, Larry Rodriguez, Doug Kramer, Ryan Arana, Patrick Cabahug, Chad Alonso, Gervy Cruz and Beau Belga.

Only Castro has had the experience of playing for the national team as a former member of the RP Youth Team.

But Romero, who has won back-to-back titles with Harbour Centre in the PBL, said he believes that the players will be up to the task and could win the SEABA crown.

The tournament serves as a qualifier for the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in Tehran in September. Granting that the Philippines qualifies, the all-pro team being handled by Chot Reyes will go to Tehran.

Pangilinan also graced the PSA Forum along with PBL chairman Gil Angeles and commissioner Chino Trinidad, and coaches Junel Baculi, George Gallent and Lawrence Cheongson.

The PLDT chairman was just as optimistic.

"I’m quite excited. And it’s very important for us to win the championship if only to signal the return of the Philippines in international competition. There’s no option but to win," he said.

Pangilinan said he doesn’t expect the title to come on a silver platter since all the competing countries are allowed to field as many as two imports, mostly Americans.

"Will the games be a blowout? It will be difficult because each of the other teams are also allowed to field imports, like Thailand and Malaysia. We have to be vigilant with what these teams will be doing," he said.

"So, can we bring home the bacon? Unfortunately, there’s no bacon in Jakarta. It’s a Muslin country," Pangilinan said in jest.